Scripture to Read: Daniel 3:7–12
The Jews, for 800 years, understood that they were not to commit idolatry. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were being forced into this circumstance legally. The people in Babylon knew they would be killed if they did not follow Nebuchadnezzar’s command, so we read in Daniel 3:7 how everyone fell down and worshipped the image Nebuchadnezzar had built, or at least that’s what is initially portrayed. But then, an accusation quickly followed. We read in Daniel 3:8–12, “For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews. 9 They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: ‘O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image. 11 But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.’” So, we find out that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego chose to obey God’s command in Exodus 20:1–6 over the command of King Nebuchadnezzar. When any government lays down laws that are in direct contradiction with God’s commands, we as Christians must always obey God’s commands above all else. We’ll unpack this more tomorrow.
Challenge & Application
• Everyone in Babylon, except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, bowed to the statue. What would you have done and why?
• How would you handle a situation where you knew you were turned in by people you know?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!